Reader’s Request: Blogging Tips

This particular Reader’s Request is one that I’ve received many, many requests for. I finally decided to give it a whirl – this post always intimidated me for some reason!! I included my favorite blogging tips and some that my friends use as well

1. Purpose. Have a clear idea of what you want your blog to be about and how you’ll make it unique. What makes you different from the millions of other blogs out there? I think a big one for me is the fact that my life has many different aspects (trainer/fitness professional, military wife, raw foods chef, dinner party fanatic), and the language that I use in my blog, which is how I speak in *real life*. (Side story: “rock my face off” is actually the Pilot’s phrase. He used it when I first met him, 6 years ago, and I thought it was the goofiest phrase ever… until I stole it, haha). A perfect example of purpose is Kath’s blog- we know exactly what to expect when we click on her blog, and it’s awesome.

2. Use pictures to tell a story. I’ll take a lot of pictures throughout the day, but if one doesn’t make sense with my post, I’ll save it for later. Have a theme idea for each post, or use subject headings a la Carrots n Cake or Pure2Raw to break it up. A great example of blog storytelling is the amazing Mama Pea. Every post has a clear theme and story, with witty jokes, heart-melting pics and delicious recipes. She’s kind of a genius like that.

3. Write because you’re passionate, not for the dollars. Blogging is my full-time job, but when I get a paycheck, it’s a surprise to me. “I worked?! Oh yeah, I guess that can be considered working.” I don’t even think about the blog as *work* because I have a crazyseriousabundant love for it. Every.single.blogger who has told me “I’m starting a blog so I can make ‘x’ amount of money” has failed. If you blog about what you truly love and are passionate about, the financial icing on the cake will come.

4. Use your blog as a means to grow and develop yourself. Blogs are like little flowers that grow and blossom over time (hi, cheeseball) Your writing style, audience, picture quality, theme, everything will change- just roll with it and let your blog evolve. An excellent example of this is my good friend Jenna. Her blog has changed dramatically since I started reading it and even though I thought it wasn’t possible to love her blog any more, I totally did.

5. Teach your readers, and be their friend. Whenever I read a blog, I like to leave the page feeling like I’ve learned something, even if it’s something small like chia seeds work the same as flax eggs, or that bangs are in for winter. Every single Choosing Raw post has taught me something. Also, remember to be encouraging and positive to your readers- treat them like friends, especially since they come to virtually hang out with you, a la HEAB.

6. Keep a notebook of blog ideas at hand. I always have a notebook with me for blog ideas, my day’s to-dos, grocery lists, etc. This way, if I get an idea, I can jot it down instead of trying to remember it.

7. Encourage discussion. The comments are there for a reason! Blogs are so much more fun when there’s conversation going down. Ask questions, provoke discussions, stir the controversy pot a little. Caitlin always gets my brain going, even before the am coffee has kicked in.

8. Be your fabulous self! Authenticity always wins. I myself love to read blogs because of what the authors are up to. Anyone can post a pic of a hummus and veggie sandwich, but I’d rather hear more about what the sandwich-maker has been doing, or blips of their personality. Ange always lets her beautiful personality shine through her posts.

Any blogging tips you’d like to add to the mix?? When you read a blog, what keeps you coming back?

I hope you guys enjoyed this post and found it helpful! Remember to hang in there if you’re a new bloggy- your niche, voice and readers will come. If you love it, stick with it!

I definitely agree with the evolving thing…I started off with one blog and when I found myself evolving, I started a new one. Thanks for the post; it sheds some light on a few things I’d like to change!

I really admire your dedication to your blog. As someone else put it, your regular updates are certainly one of your blog’s really cool features (that, and the fact, that you’re a very funny, creative and positive person that isn’t afraid to be herself :). I tried to blog for a while, but English being my second language, I thought it was difficult. Makes me appreciate even more your constant flow of ideas 😉

Hi Gina, Great, great post! I am drawn to your blog for a few reasons 1 being you have the same healthy eating style as me and 2, I feel like we would be great friends and I don’t even know you! You are the reason I am thinking of starting a blog and btw, How do you get people to start reading in the first place??????

I come back to blogs where I can really feel the personality of the author coming through. It’s a combination of that plus good writing. I’m a snob like that! Not that I don’t enjoy reading blogs in general – I’m curious about all kinds of people, but if I think about the ones I come back to very consistently, it’s because I’ve connected to or enjoyed the personality that is coming through. Case in point, whenever I’ve met a blogger in real life whose blog I really like, I end up liking the person just as much! There is a direct relationship. I rarely like a person in real life MORE than I like their blog, if that makes sense. So the tip you’ve listed as #8 is a biggie for me, as a reader!

Thank you for this post! All terrific advice, I also love blogs that are honest and what you see is really how the person is in real life outside of blog world 🙂 Happy Holidays and keep on blogging! ~Take Care

This is not on topic for this post (although as a side note – great post!), but I couldn’t find a way to email you and was wondering if you have found that maca powder helps clear/prevent break outs since it targets hormonal fluctuations? Thanks so much if you have any info on that!!

Thanks for the tips Gina! Still feeling mine out since I am pretty new to the blogger world! one question though — I made a video last night (haven’t posted any videos yet) and my kids are in it…my hubby is a little skeptical because of all the weirdos out there. What is your advice regarding that??

Hi, gorgeous! I'm so glad you're here. Welcome to The Fitnessista, a healthy lifestyle blog emphasizing quick workouts, quick recipes and adventures as a wife and mom. Though I am a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and weight loss specialist, the information posted here is not intended to substitute the advice of a medical professional. Please check out the about page for more info. Thank you for reading! ❤️